[Therapy of progressive chronic polyarthritis. Clinical studies of the effectiveness of azathioprine].

The present paper reports on the experience obtained in patients during treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with Azathioprine. The duration of treatment was on the average 16.5 months (minimum 1 month, maximum 54 months). The arthritic pains could be alleviated or even stopped completely in 73% of the cases. In 53.6% of the cases the morning stiffness was influenced favourably. The analgetic dose could be reduced in 54% of patients, who additionally received analgetics. Rheumatic attacks appeared rarely and also were of shorter duration and less severe. Therefore it can be concluded that Azathioprine has decreased the progredience of the disease. The main side-effects were gastrointestinal upsets. In 2 cases therapy had to be discontinued due to leucopenia. The results show that Azathioprine seems to be valuable for the treatment of severe rheumatoid arthritis. The overall effect can be considered as successful, but long-term therapy is necessary.